Air-vent-valve.



W. SHURTLEFF.

AIR VENT VALVE.

APPLICATION men Aua.11. 1915.

Patented Nov. 30,, 1915.

2 SHEETSSHEET 1.

IIVVENTOR WITNESSES:

ATTORNEYS COLUMBIA PLANDIJRAP" CO.,WASHINGTON. I.)v c.

W. SHURTLEFF.

AIR VENT VALVE.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. 11. 1915.

1 ,1 62,66 1 Patented Nov. 30, 1915.

2 SHEET$-SHEET 2.

A TTORA/E Y8 COLUMBIA PLANDGRAPH COWWASHINDTON, D. C.

snares rarnnr WILFREI) SHU'RTLEFF, OE IIIOLINE, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-ALF TO Ii IOLINE VACUUhf-VAPOR HEATING (30., F MGLINE, ILLINOIS, A USE-1 01RP- GN 6F ILLINOIS.

AIR-VENT VALVE.

Application filed August 11, 1915.

f '0 all Nil Z0772, 56' may concern:

Be it known that I, VVIL'FRED SI-IURTLEFF, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Moline,in the county of Rock Island and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Air-Vent Valves, of which the following is a specification.

My invention is an improvement in air vent valves, and the invention has for its object to provide a valve of the character specified, especially adapted for use with two-pipe heating plants, and with steam heating systems, wherein the valve is so arranged that it will permit the discharge of air during the heating of the system, while when steam enters the valve the increase in heat will close the valve,'to prevent the escape of steam, and to prevent at all times the discharge of steam from the system, and to return the condensed steam to the boiler.

In the drawings: Figure l is a vertical section through the valve showing the parts in one position; Fig. 2 is a similar view showing the parts in another position; Fig. 3 is a section on the'line 3-3 of Fig. 1, looking in the direction of the arrow adjacent to the line, and Fig. at is a diagrammatic view of the system showing the arrangement of the valve.

In the present embodiment of the invention, a casing is provided consisting of a lower section 1 having an annular enlargement 2 at its upper end, and an upper section or cap 3, which has a marginal flange 4:: at its lower end, abutting the thickened upper end 5 of the enlargement 2, and the flange is secured to this thickened end by means of screws 6 which pass through openings in the flange, and engage threaded openings in the thickened end.

An inlet pipe 7 is threaded into a lateral port 8 in the enlargement 2, and a drain pipe 9 is threaded into a part 10 at the under side of the enlargement, and adjacent to the inlet pipe 7 A partition 11 is provided at the inlet and drain ports, this partition extending from the wall of the enlargement at one side of the inlet 8 to the wall at the opposite side, and the inner surface thereof, that is, the face remote from the pipe 7 is flush with the wall of the body of the lower section of the casing.

The partition wall 11 extends slightly Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 313*, MET-L5,

Serial No. 44,883.

above the pipe 7 and forms a chamber 12 at the said inlet, and the pipe 9 leads down wardly from this chamber. The partition wall is provided with an opening 13 at the axis of the inlet pipe, and a float l l: is ar ranged within the casing. This float cylindrical form, having its lower encand its upper end closed by a head 13), the said head having a marginal flange 16 which fits within the upper end of the float.

The float fits loosely within the body of the casing, as shown, and a conical. valve 17 is connected with the head of the float. The valve cooperates with a tapering port 18 in the cap or cover 3, and at the cen ter thereof, and the downward movement of the float is limited by a head 19 on the upper end of av stem 20 arranged at the axis of the casing. As shown, the head is provided with a socket which is threaded, and is on gaged by the threaded upper end of the stem, and the lower end of the stem is also threaded and is engaged with opening 21 in the bottom of the lower section of the casing.

The opening 21 before mentioned, opens into a nipple 22 at the bottom of the lower section of the casing, and this nipple has an opening which is closed by a threaded plug 23. This plug has an extension which is polygonal in cross section, for engagement by a wrench or the like, to permit tlie removal of the plug, and the lower end of the stem 20 has a transverse kerf Qlfor receiving a tool, as for instance, a screw driver, to turn the stem.

When the stem is turned in the proper direction, it may be adjusted longitudinally of the casing, to bring the head 19 nearer to or farther away from the head 15 of the float. The port 01' opening 13 is an overflow, and it will be evident that the space surrounding the float must fill to the level of the port before any liquid will overflow into the chamber 12 and through the d 'ain pipe 9 back into the heating system.

The space between the float and the in terior of the casing is very small, as will be evident from an inspection of the drawing, and the float is what is known as an open float, that is, it is controlled by the air within the same. The object of the auxiliary chamber 12 is to prevent foreign substances, as for instance, dirt or the like, from entering the main casing, and to prevent splashing, as well as to prevent direct flow from the inlet pipe into the casing.

It will be understood that the improved valve is connected with the heating system, by means of the pipes 'l' and 9. The vent or port 18 is an air vent opening tothe atmosphere. The annular enlargement 2 has a capacity equal to two-fifths or more of that of the total capacity of the float, and this enlargement is placed at a point where the float becomes buoyant when the trapped air is warm or heated, and the enlargement extends above the high water level of the well or casing. The vertical play of the valve and float is controlled or limited by the rod 20, and this rod may be adjusted to suit conditions, by removing the plug 23.

The partition 11 extends above the overflow opening 13, in order to prevent too much water from being splashed over, outof the enlargement 2, under turbulent conditions of the water, and the opening is small in order to constrain surplus water to overflow slowly from the body of the casing to the well 12. The enlargement '2 provides a surplus reservoir having a large horizontal area or cross section near the float point.

lVhen the air in the float becomes hot, and drives the water out of the bottom of the float, the volume of water normally contained in the float will reach the bottom of the enlargement just as the valve 17 is closed on its seat. This will take place at a certain temperature, say 212, and the enlargement will hold any extra supply of water that may be forced out of the float, when the float comes in contact with steam at a higher temperature. Were the enlargement not provided, the excess water would rise to a higher level, until there would be danger of it rising to a point where it would overflow through the opening 13 into the drain 8. Thus the large horizontal area of the reservoir permits the larger body of water to accumulate without rising to; a higher level. This large body of water is necessary when the float cools and contracts, thereby drawing the water into the float and causing it to drop and open the port 18.

So long as the heating system is under normal conditions the water will stand at the level indicated in Fig. 1 outside and inside the float. In the ordinary form of valve when the valve has become overheated at a high temperature the expanded air in the float pushes so much water out of the float and raises it to such a high level in the narrow space surrounding the float that it overflows to the heating system and becomes 10st to the valve. Then whenit again cools off to the vapor point, about 212, it draws all of the remaining water back into the float and there is not enough left surrounding the float to maintain the valve in closed position. Under such conditions the valve will frequently discharge steam to the atmosphere. With the present construction this cannot happen, as the enlargement takes care of the excess water.

In Fig. the valve is shown in connection with the system, the system comprising the boiler 30, having an outlet pipe 31 for the steam and the said pipe is connectedto the-radiators 38 by branch pipes 32, one of the said pipes leading from the pipe'31 to each radiator, and the usual valves 33 are interposed in the branch pipes at the radiators. A return pipe 34: leads from each radiator at the opposite end. from the pipe 352, and from the bottom-of the radiator to a 7 common pipe 35, and thiscommon pipe-35 is connected to a drain pipe 36, which opens into a water return pipe 37 at its lower end, and the pipe 37 opens into the boiler below the water level. The valve casing 12 is connected to the common pipe 35 by the pipe 7 before mentioned, and the drain pipe 9 connects with the pipe 37 at the lower end of the said drain pipe. V

In operation, when the 'adiators are cold, and fire is built in the boiler 30, steam will be generated, and the increased pressure will drive the steam through the steam supply pipe 31 to the radiators 38, filling them with steam. The steam as it enters the radiators pushes the air before it out of the radiators38, through the return pipes 34 into the pipe 35, and out through the vent valve. The air being lighter than the water will be discharged through the vent valve, while any water of condensation coming from the radiators will pass by gravity through the drain pipe 36 into the boiler. The drain pipe 9 carries any surplus water that may overflow from the vent valve back into the boiler by gravity. With the radiators cold, the valve 17 is unseated, the float takingthe position shown in Fig. 2,, with the water inside the float t0 the level of the overflow port 13. During the heating of the radiators the air can pass freely through the port 18, as it is driven out by the inflowing steam, and it will so pass until the inflowing steam from the system heats the float and the contained air therein. This air expands under the influence of the heat and gradually forces the water out of the f the water outside the float reaches the enlargement. The float will now be lifted, seating the valve 17, thus preventing the escape of steam through the vent. Nhen all of the air has been discharged, the steam as above mentioned, will close the valve. Whenever a sufflcient quantity of cooler air gathers at the vent valve, to cool the air in the float, the vent valve again opens, permitting this air to discharge into the atmosphere. Whenever the pressure in the radiators and the pipes is above atmosloat until pheric, the air is discharged, while when the pressure in the plant is below atmospheric, the air is drawn into the system.

Like any valve of this type, it can be partially filled with water by pouring it into the port 8, before attaching the valve to the heating system, but it is generally known by those familiar with the art that these valves gradually and very soon fill with water of condensation from the steam passing through them.

I claim:

1. An air vent valve for heating systems, comprising a substantially cylindrical casing having an outlet port in its top, and having an annular enlargement intermediate its ends, and a well or auxiliary chamber at the enlargement at one side of the casing and opening at its top into the enlarge ment, said casing having an inlet port and a drain port at the chamber, the inlet port being adapted for connection with the heating system, at any part above the water level, and the chamber having an overflow opening at the axis of the inlet into the body of the casing, a float fitting within the body of the casing and having an open bottom, a valve at the top of the float cooperating with the air outlet of the casing and arranged to be closed by the expansion of the air in the float when heated above a predetermined point, and means for limiting the downward movement of the float, said means being adjustable and comprising a stem adjustably connected with the bottom of the casing, and having a head at its top for engagement by the top of the float.

2. An air vent valve for heating systems, comprising a substantially cylindrical casing having an outlet port in its top, and having an annular enlargement intermediate its ends, and a well or auxiliary chamber at the enlargement at one side of the casing and opening at its top into the enlargement, said casing having an inlet port and a drain port at the chamber, the inlet port being adapted for connection with the heating system, and the chamber having an overflow opening at the axis of the inlet into the body of the casing, a float fitting within the body of the casing and having an open bottom, a valve at the top of the float cooperating with the air outlet of the casing and arranged to be closed by the eX- pansion of the air in the float when heated above a predetermined point, and means for limiting the downward movement of the float.

3. An air vent valve for heating systems, comprising a shell or casing having a port for communicating with the heating system, and having a vent port at the top thereof. said port being intermediate the ends of the casing and the casing being enlarged annularly at the port and having a partition at the port forming an auxiliary chamber into which the port opens, and having a drain leading from the chamber, and a float fitting within the body of the chamber and open at its bottom and having a valve for closing the vent port, and means adjustably connected with the casing for limiting the downward movement of the float.

4. An air vent valve for heating systems, comprising a shell or'casing having a port for communicating with the heating system, and having a vent port at the top thereof, said port being intermediate the ends of the casing and the casing being enlarged annula'rly at the port and having a partition at the port forming an auxiliary chamber into whicht-he port opens, and having a drain leading from the chamber, and a float fitting within the body of the chamber and open at its bottom and having a valve for closing the vent port.

5. An air valve for heating systems, C0111 prising a shell or casing having a vent port inits top and an inlet and an outlet port intermediate the ends of the casing, and hav ing a chamber at the said ports into which the ports open, said chamber communicating with the body of the casing by' a restricted opening at the high water line and by a nonrestricted opening at the top of the chamber, a float within the casing and having its bottom open and provided with a valve at the top for closing the vent opening, said casing being adapted to contain water to the level of the restricted opening between the chamber and the body of the casing, and the water being adapted to be driven out by the heating of the air within the float, raises the float to close the valve, the casing having an enlargement forming an auxiliary reservoir above the point reached by the water, driven out of the float at the time the float begins to lift to close the valve for receiving the said water, and a stem adjustably connected with the bottom of the casing for engaging the top of the float to limit the downward movement thereof.

6. An air valve for heating systems, comprising a shell or casing having a vent port in its top and an inlet and an outlet port intermediate the ends of the casing, and having a chamber at the said ports into which the ports open, said chamber communicating with the body of the casing by a restricted opening at the high water line and by a non-restricted opening at the top of the chamber, a float within the casing and having its bottom open and provided with a valve at the top for closing the vent opening, said casing being adapted to contain water to the level of the restricted opening between the chamber and the body of the casing, and the water being adapted to be driven out by the heating of the air within the float, which which raises the float to close the valve, the casing having an enlargement forming an auxiliary reservoir above the point reached by the water driven out of the float at the time the float begins to lift to close the valve for receiving the said Water.

7. An air valve for heating systems, comprising a casing having a vent port in its top, and having an inlet and an outlet port intermediate the ends of the casing, and having a chamber at the said ports into which the ports open, said chamber communicating with the body of the casing by a restricted opening at the high water line and by an unrestricted opening at the top of the chamber, a valve controlling the vent port in the top, and a float in the casing for controlling the valve, said casing having an enlargement forming an auxiliary reservoir at the level of the chamber, and the float being a shell open at the bottom.

8. An air valve for heating systems, com prising a casing-having a vent port in its top, and having an inlet and an outlet port intermediate the ends of the casing, and

having a chamber at the said ports into which the ports open, said chamber communicating With the body of the casing by a restricted opening at the high Waterline and by an unrestricted opening at the top of the chamber, a valve controlling the vent port in the top, and a float in the casing for controlling the valve.

9. An air valve for heating systems, comprising a casing having a vent Port at its top, and an inlet and an outlet port intermediate the ends of the casing, and'having a chamber at the said ports into which the ports open, said chamber communicating with the body of the casing, by a restricted opening at the high water line and by a nonrestricted opening at thetop of the chamber, a valve cooperating with the vent port, a float controlling the valve and having its bottom open, said casing being adapted to contain water to the level of the restricted opening, and the casing having an enlargement forming an auxiliary reservoir at the level of the chamber. 7 1

VILFRED SHURTLEFF.

Signed in the presence of- ELMER TERKELSER, LAWRENCE E. Bncnwrrrr.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. C. 

